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Shut off while driving and will not start?

Tiny
WIKDWELDER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA ECHO
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 233,000 MILES
I was driving on the interstate today at regular speeds (70-75) all of a sudden, the engine just shut down, so I coasted another 110 yards, tried to start it with nothing but the engine turning over with regular dash lights on. I removed the fuel pump and wired it to the battery, and it spun over just fine, and the battery seems fine, my little car has been good to me with no other issues, and I do not like that it is on the side of the interstate! Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Saturday, September 16th, 2023 AT 3:23 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If it simply turned off and won't restart, chances are it is one of two issues. In most cases, it is either a fuel or ignition spark issue.

Do me a favor. See if it starts if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue (even though the pump turned on, it may not be producing the pressure needed).

If there is no change with the starting fluid, it's likely you lost ignition spark, so we need to check for that.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Also, when cranking the engine, pay attention to sound. See if it sounds like it is turning faster than normal. It is unlikely that a timing chain broke, but it has a lot of miles, and anything is possible.

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 17th, 2023 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
WIKDWELDER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes, Joe it just shut off while driving down interstate with no noises or hesitation, like someone just flicked a switch. I will do your suggestions and also going to check all fuses (I did swap the horn fuse with the EFI fuse with no results) and get back to you this week. I really appreciate your time. Scott
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Sunday, September 17th, 2023 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I should also add that 2 weeks ago I replaced the valve cover gasket along with a fresh oil change, and drove it with no issues until the shutdown.
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Sunday, September 17th, 2023 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

It could be related to the ignition. If it felt like someone turned the key off, that is going to be my first suspect. Oftentimes, a crankshaft position sensor will fail. When that happens, you lose spark to the plugs. It would be like turning the key off.

Take a look at this link and let me know if you feel it mirrors what you've experienced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
WIKDWELDER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello,
I just sprayed a nice amount of carb cleaner into the intake port with nothing at all, not even a spurt. I have a crank sensor on the way and will keep you posted! Thank you
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Sounds good. Remember, if the crankshaft position sensor is faulty, there will be no spark to the plugs. If you want to confirm that, follow the link I attached above.

Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
WIKDWELDER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello Joe,

Good News! This is one of those dumb struck deals, lol. My girlfriend and I were at the car, took a plug out, she cranked it over with bright blue spark and the car sputtered. She said heck it's out of gas. Long story short when I took out the fuel pump on the side of the Interstate, I wasn't paying attention an thought I had knocked the float off the pump housing (its easily taken off the side) but come to find out evidently the float had fallen off in the tank at speed. Maybe a hard bump in the road I guess which gave me a false reading at the gauge making me think I had an 1/8 of a tank when in reality there was none, LoL. I felt like an idiot, lol. We all know these things happen and how glad I was when I put in a couple gallons of petrol, and she purred like a kitten again! I want to Thank you again for all the sound advice!
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Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome, and you're right. It happens all the time.

Regardless, take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Again Joe, Take Care an keep up the good work Friend!
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 7:51 PM

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